Power Assist Add-Ons For Wheelchairs
Power assist add-ons enable wheelchair users to travel greater distances and on challenging terrain. They also reduce the effort needed to propel. This leads to lower heart rates and less muscle fatigue.
These devices are easy to move and don't alter the look of manual chairs. They are also simple to use.
WheelDrive
Front wheel drive electric wheelchairs offer the ultimate in stability and power. The large drive wheels can "grab" the road, enabling the chair to navigate difficult terrain like gravel, grass or steps. This configuration is also an excellent option for those who need to maneuver your chair through tight spaces as you can easily turn sharp turns using the front drive.
During the selection process your therapist or assistant Technology Professional will consider which components and bases best meet your requirements. An add-on for power assist is also important to consider. There are many options for power assist, including front-wheel, mid-wheel, and rear-wheel power add-ons.
The relaunched and new WheelDrive power add-on from Sunrise Medical offers a unique dual rim design, with a variety of driving modes. The large 'assist wheel' gives you extra power with each push. This helps reduce fatigue and allows you to go further with each push. While the smaller 'drive rim' offers continuous power to aid in climbing. The WheelDrive can be mounted on almost every manual wheelchair, without the need for additional components or modifications. It can be switched between the two driving modes using an intuitive power button.
The brushless hub motor is powered by lightweight batteries that can be detached and fully charged in under two hours. The compact design and easy operation makes it the perfect option for those who require an extra boost when traveling further distances. The WheelDrive doesn't require any maintenance unlike other battery-powered power assist accessories, which can often be quite complicated to keep in good working order.
We recommend that you contact one of our ATPs to get more information and to view an example if you're considering adding a power wheelchair with front-wheel drive to your manual wheelchair. If you are considering the new Empulse 4Front 2 power wheelchair the standard FrontDrive system comes with iLevel, which raises your safe seat elevation up to 12 inches. This allows you to perform everyday activities that require mobility such as toileting, reaching and grooming at a higher elevation.
Rear Power Assist Add-ons
Power accessories for wheelchairs are a great way to reduce the amount of effort it takes to propel a manual chair. They can also help preserve shoulder health and ease the fear of injury associated with repetitive, long-lasting, manual propulsion. You can travel further, traverse steep slopes, and maneuver through challenging environments by incorporating power assist into your chair.
Wheelchair power add-ons are categorized into rear attachments (such as the SmartDrive) and front attachments that lift a manual wheelchair's caster wheels off the ground and replace them with a larger, centered wheel (similar to the bicycle) such as the BATEC Manual or Rio Dragonfly, and hybrid systems that incorporate both of these features. Front attachments can be controlled with a hand-rim activated system such as the Alber Smoov, Klaxon Twist or SmartDrive. Attachments to the rear, on the other hand are a joystick conversion device, like the Alber E-Motion and SmartDrive.
Some of these wheelchair accessories make use of rechargeable batteries, and others, like the WheelDrive are connected to the motor in the wheelchair and powered by the energy generated by wheel's rotation. Those that are powered by a battery are usually lighter and smaller than those powered by kinetic energy from the wheel rotation.
Spinergy ZX-1 is one of the most well-known wheelchair add-ons. It can be attached to the folding or rigid frame of active wheelchairs. There are three levels of support, and they can be changed by pressing a button. It is also easy to switch from manual mode to power mode and then back again.
The BATEC Manual Power Assist Wheel is another alternative. It has three levels of support and can be controlled by a joystick. This makes it perfect for users who need varying levels of assistance in various settings. mymobilityscooters of power add-ons can also be used to assist in reducing the strain on your elbows and shoulders, allowing you to go further with less effort. This is particularly beneficial if you are concerned about the effect of propulsion over long distances on your shoulders.
Active Wheelchairs for Users
A wheelchair for active users is one specifically designed for those who lead an life in active ways and want to remain mobile and independent. These wheelchairs are lighter and easier to maneuver than self-propelled wheelchairs. This means that the upper body will not be as fatigued. This allows them to travel longer distances over challenging terrain without assistance.
A wheelchair that is designed to be used for an active lifestyle will usually have a compact frame size to help increase manoeuvrability. Furthermore, the rear wheels are generally bigger than standard wheelchairs to enable the user to easily access them and then propel themselves forward. The backrest's height is typically lower, allowing the user to move their arms and shoulders freely while self-propelling.
Powered add-ons can also be used to improve the performance of your wheelchair for active users. They can give you extra power when needed. This can be beneficial when climbing hills, travelling long distances or when the user feels exhausted. The user can control a powered accessory through eye movements or voice commands. This can allow users become more self-sufficient and reduce the need for someone else to push them.
E-bike attachments for wheelchairs are a novel and exciting way to increase mobility and efficiency. They attach to the front of a wheelchair and transform it into a three-wheeled handbike which allows users to travel faster and farther than they would on their own. This is a great choice for people who want to commute to work, run around or just enjoy a leisurely bike ride. A power bike accessory can also be adjusted to suit the individual's preferences and needs, with different rear wheel angles available along with adjustable seat tension and footrest positioning. This lets you achieve the most personalization and versatility.
Foldable Power Assist Device
Power add-ons attach to the back wheels of manual wheelchairs, replacing the existing rear wheels. They are easy to use and allow users to travel greater distances to be covered with less effort. They are usually lightweight and feature advanced control systems to adjust programming, monitor battery levels and fault detection remotely.
These are accessories from the aftermarket that can be connected to a wide range of manual wheelchairs including folding models. Examples include the SmartDrive MX2+ and Alber Smoov. The device is activated by pressing a button or switch, and is controlled using an electronic wristband. Some come with an integrated push tracker that tracks how much power was using.
They enable people to travel further without getting tired and can assist them to climb the slopes and other obstacles more easily. They are perfect for helping users maintain their independence by continuing to take part in everyday activities, work, and socialize with friends and family and travel more freely for leisure.
In certain instances the use of power assist can reduce the risk of developing pressure sores by reducing the amount of force being exerted by the individual. They also can reduce the time required to perform activities that require mobility and make it easier for people to get over obstacles like steps, inclines and curb cuts.
Many power-assists that fold are portable, which means that users can bring their wheelchair on family trips without the need for a van. They can be removed from the chair to travel for work or other activities and then reattached once they return home. This can help people maintain their job, volunteer or other activities to remain a valued community member and contribute to society.
Non-folding power-assist gadgets are generally larger and heavier than their folding counterparts, however they can still be very compact when not being used. Many of them can be folded and have their accessories removed, which can save even more space. They can be tucked away in the trunk of any family car. This lets people travel with their families to work, to other places and even visit family and friends.